IP CCTV: What You Need to Know

2nd May 2017 by Ara.

IP CCTV: What you need to know

If you’re determined to get the latest in technology to future proof your investment in a security system, then IP CCTV is what you’re looking for. The term IP CCTV is a buzzword these days, but what’s all the buzz about?

IP CCTV systems offer you a broad range of features you can benefit from, compared to analogue systems. One of the key differences is that the cameras and recorder have their own IP (Internet Protocol) address. An instant benefit is that you’ll be able to access and control your CCTV devices without having to climb up to the loft where the recorder is usually kept.

Subject to camera and recorder models, here are a few other ways an IP system will benefit you:

• Most IP cameras use power over Ethernet (PoE), which means less cabling is required
• You can access your cameras remotely when you’re away on holiday
• Current IP cameras offer higher resolutions for better picture quality than analogue
• Cameras can be set up to alert you when motion is detected
• They can track targets, a very useful feature for large areas like car parks or busy streets
• Video analytics capabilities can tell you where people tend to congregate most (a super useful feature if you have a business and want to make the most of your retail space)
• Facial recognition detects when people are in view
• Can integrate with a smart home system where lights and heating will turn on as soon as the camera spots you returning home

Things to keep in mind:

• IP cameras are generally more expensive than analogue cameras because of considerable investment to develop the technology
• The higher the resolution, the higher the bandwidth (how much information your internet connection can handle at a time) you’ll need. Tweaking camera settings or allocating a dedicated network for your CCTV can help remedy this.

If you’ve just bought a system, here are a couple of tips:

• Change the default password! This is the single most important thing you should do, otherwise, you are risking your camera being accessed by strangers on the Internet. Remember that your camera is online, so keep it secure.
• Save space on your hard drive by setting your cameras to start recording when movement is detected or when a threshold is crossed.

At the time of this post, IP CCTV is at the top of the game. As it happens with all technological developments, you can expect it to get better, become more powerful, easier to use, and integrate (The first hard disk drive for example, could only hold less than 5GB, let that sink in for a moment).

Last but not least, it's worth mentioning that exciting developments are happening in the world of the “Internet of Things” (Also referred to as "IoT": smart devices that communicate with each other and apps via the Internet to make our lives easier). In the future, when the "IoT" becomes widely spread, a surveillance system where devices communicate with each other can keep your property safe from intruders and even occurrences like fire. For example, if the IP cameras see a fire breaking out, the fire brigade would be automatically alerted to take quick control of the situation.

Next time you hear how great IP CCTV systems are and why they're future proof, you'll know what all the buzz is about.

While you're here, check this IP CCTV kit, now on sale! Click the image below to find out more.

About

Satsecure are specialists in the CCTV & satellite industry with over 30 years combined experience. We have stores in Stockport and Leicester, and we aim to provide top quality products at the most competitive prices available online. You can contact us for further advice on any of the products that you've seen advertised.